How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected parenting time?

 
 
Image of Child with Paper Cutout of a Heart

Four Point Legal is receiving many questions from parents wondering how “social distancing”, school closures, and parents working from home (or finding themselves out of work) will affect the normal parenting schedule they have established.

In theory, nothing regarding parenting time has changed because of the current situation. Both parents are still entitled to the same parenting time they were before school closures and other events intervened. As much as safely possible, you should stick to the regular schedule.

In reality, however, we know just how difficult that can and will be. Some parents will need to work more, some will have more time at home, and obviously there needs to be someone to care for younger children during the day. This will require both parents to work together for the benefit of their children.

This is a time to demonstrate patience, flexibility, generosity, and the ability to work together for the best interests of your children. They will remember how you acted through this time to keep them safe, reassure them, and show compassion for others.

Below is a list of helpful suggestions proposed by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, which we are sharing with our clients:

  1. BE HEALTHY
    Comply with all CDC and local and state guidelines and model good behavior for your children with intensive hand washing, wiping down surfaces and other objects that are frequently touched, and maintaining social distancing.

  2. BE MINDFUL
    Be honest about the seriousness of the pandemic but maintain a calm attitude and convey to your children your belief that everything will return to normal in time.

  3. BE COMPLIANT with court orders and custody agreements.

  4. BE CREATIVE
    It is foolish to expect that everything will stay exactly the same. Plans will inevitably have to change. Encourage closeness with the parent who is not going to see the child through shared books, movies, games and FaceTime or Skype.

  5. BE TRANSPARENT
    Provide honest information to your co-parent about any suspected or confirmed exposure to the virus and try to agree on what steps each of you will take to protect the child from exposure.

  6. BE GENEROUS
    Try to provide makeup time to the parent who missed out, if possible.

  7. BE UNDERSTANDING
    There is no doubt that the pandemic will pose an economic hardship and lead to lost earnings for many, many parents, both those who are paying child support and those who are receiving child support. The parent who is paying should try to provide something, even if it can’t be the full amount. The parent who is receiving payments should try to be accommodating under these challenging and temporary circumstances. 

Of course, should you have specific questions or need assistance with this issue, the team at Four Point Legal is prepared to help you through this challenge.

*This is general information only and not meant to provide specific legal advice.

 
Adam Rolison